Towing Issues: non-payment of towing fees, tow fees, storage fees

Question
Dear Richard, my husband was in an accident, no injured parties, he hit a tree on I-5 in Wash State, the engine is totaled. The police had the car towed, we want to sign the car title over to them for payment of tow fees, they say we can't and if we don't pay the fees they will have his license or mine pulled. The car is registed in New Mexico, also where my license is from, his license is from RI. I have never heard of such a thing, do you know if this is true? I'v had a car stolen in RI and one in Fla, when it was found totaled I signed both over to the tow company without any other consequences. Help if you can. Thank You, Joanne

Answer
Yes Washington state has a law on the books about unpaid towing fees from police ordered tows... It has been there for like 15 to 20 years...

Its legal and all that, but I am not sure what or how it would affect your "out of state" licenses.

Have you offered the title and some of the tow bill ?    Maybe not the storage part of it, but at least the towing fees... If that does not work, I guess you will have to see what else you can do. But do it quick as the daily storage fees do add up quick...

Is there insurance at all on the vehicle, or was it liability only?

That might be a place to ask questions also .